Why are the stems on my Oxalis falling over and mushy?

The oxalis is a wonderful dainty plant to any collection, and mushy stems can cause alarm. Mushy stems and leaves usually indicate the plant is getting watered too often or the soil is staying moist for too long between waterings.

Detailed image of the Oxalis

Water when 50-75% of the soil volume is dry. Always check soil moisture level prior to watering to make sure it needs to be watered. Water thoroughly and discard any excess water in the saucer to discourage root rot.

If you find the soil is taking a long time to dry out between watering you may want to check the drainage holes to make sure they’re not blocked or compacted. You can also aerate the soil by using something like a chopstick. Increase the airflow around your plant by having a fan on low nearby to increase air circulation or placing it closer to a window to increase light levels. These plants need indirect to bright light indoors to thrive.

Related issues for your Oxalis

Need more help?

We're confident your Oxalis will be back to normal in no-time, but if you've followed the steps above and things just aren't improving you can  contact the Grow-How® Team.